COUNTRY TIPPING GUIDE

Tipping in Germany

Last reviewed September 17, 2026

DO I NEED TO TIP?

Yes, tipping is customary.

Round up or add around 5–10% for good dining service. Tipping is also familiar for taxis and hairdressers, but amounts depend on the service rather than a universal obligation.

5–10%Dining quick answer

Guidance applies to the services described below; customs can differ by provider.

FIND YOUR SITUATION

Germany tipping cheat sheet

Amounts, whether a tip is expected, and the exceptions that matter. Open a row for details.

RestaurantsAdvice & exceptions5–10%

Round up or add around 5–10% for good dining service. Tipping is also familiar for taxis and hairdressers, but amounts depend on the service rather than a universal obligation.

Before paying: Check for an included service charge or gratuity. If adding a card tip, confirm the total before completing payment; with cash, make clear what is a tip and what change you need.

Bars & cafésAdvice & exceptionsRound up, optional

Round a drinks bill to the next euro if you wish.

Taxis & ride-hailingAdvice & exceptions5–10%, voluntary

Berlin visitor guidance gives this usual service range.

When & how: State the total before paying.

Airport transfersAdvice & exceptions€1 per bag, optional

For an airport-shuttle driver’s luggage help.

Bellhop & luggage helpAdvice & exceptions€1–3 per bag

The publisher’s suggested range, depending on luggage size.

HousekeepingAdvice & exceptions€3–5 per day, optional

A suggested cash thank-you for room cleaning, not a hotel fee.

ConciergeAdvice & exceptions€10–20, optional

For substantial help with arrangements, rather than routine desk service.

Spas & massageAdvice & exceptions5%, optional

For exceptional service; tipping is not routine.

Salons & barbersAdvice & exceptions5–10%, voluntary

The official Berlin guidance explicitly includes hair salons.

FROM ARRIVAL TO CHECKOUT

Your journey

Arriving & getting around

Keep a prepaid airport transfer separate from a metered taxi or a full-day driver. For tour budgets, check the unit and whether guide and driver tips are separate.

Airport transfers → · Taxis & ride-hailing →

Settling into your hotel

A pooled staff gratuity and a personal tip are different arrangements; avoid paying the same gratuity twice.

Bellhop & luggage help → · Housekeeping → · Concierge →

Eating out & paying

Read the dining answer and your bill together. A suggested amount applies to the service described, not automatically to every purchase.

Restaurants → · Bars & cafés →

Cash, card & service charges

Give cash directly to the staff member, or specify the extra before the card payment is processed.

If you choose to give a personal cash tip, use a currency the recipient can spend and make its purpose clear. Card payment for the bill does not guarantee a card-tip facility. Check the final total before approving it.

For a prepaid tour or resort stay, read the gratuity inclusions. A service fee, a staff tip pool and an individual guide tip may cover different people.

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